This trip reveals the best of Russia’s three most fascinating cities and includes entrances to the key monuments of this fascinating country. Free time is also essential to absorb the atmosphere and make the most of other optional visits, such as the Tretyakov Gallery in Moscow, or a hydrofoil ride out to the stunning Peterhof Palace in St Petersburg. A short stop in Novgorod, the birthplace of Russia, completes this cultural experience and offers a peaceful break in a busy itinerary.

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Itinerary

Day 1

Arrive in the early evening and transfer to our centrally located hotel in Moscow. The journey takes approximately 1 hour from Domodedovo Airport, during peak season this can be longer due to traffic. The closest subway station to our hotel is Arbatskaya on the blue line (the only station where all four lines meet).

After dinner we recommend an evening walk to Red SquareComfortable Hotel

Day 2

This morning we enjoy a guided walk across Red Square, past Lenin’s Mausoleum visiting the infamous leader’s tomb. After we have our bearings, there is free time to visit the magnificent St Basil’s Cathedral, which was built by Ivan the Terrible and remains one of the world’s most iconic landmarks. We then hop aboard the efficient Metro system, for a short tour of some of the most beautiful stations.

Later there is time to see Moscow’s premiere art collection at the Tretyakov Gallery, where the priceless Russian Icon collection is held along with other highlights. Or you may choice to do some shopping at the souvenir market.

Evening visits to the Bolshoy Theatre are very popular and are available to book online (subject to availability). The circus is also a popular choice - however live animals are used in some acts so may not be to everyone’s taste. Please note that Exodus are unable to pre-book these tickets as we are not official ticket agents and tickets only become available to book 3 months before departure.Comfortable Hotel

Meals included:
Breakfast

Day 3

Today we head straight to the highlight for many who visit Moscow, the Kremlin - a city within a city. It is still the seat of much political power and contains many of Russia’s greatest treasures. We visit the magnificent Cathedrals of St. Michael the Archangel, the Annunciation and the Assumption, as well as the Tsar Bell and the golden domes of Ivan the Great Bell Tower. Also included is a visit to the famous Armoury, a museum of opulent treasures including fabulous gold coaches and the famous Faberge eggs. There is some more free time in the afternoon before we meet at the hotel for the short transfer to the train station. There is time to visit the shops to buy some snacks and drinks for the journey, before boarding our late night sleeper train to Novgorod.Sleeper train

Meals included:
Breakfast

Day 4

No other Russian city can compete with Novgorod in the variety and age of its historical monuments. We spend a relaxing morning on a gentle walking tour through the riverside Kremlin dating back to the 10th century. Taking the sites of St Sofia’s Cathedral Yaroslav's Court and the Millennium Monument, created to celebrate 1000 years of Russia. The afternoon is free, most choose to head out into the countryside to enjoy the Yuriev Monastery and the Open-air Museum of Wooden Architecture, to learn more about rural life in Russia

For many Novogrod is a real highlight, giving them the chance to see a lesser known city, with a real Russian feel to it, and a welcome break from hectic Moscow before moving on to St Petersburg.Comfortable Hotel

Meals included:
Breakfast

Day 5

In the morning we transfer to the small town of Pushkin to see the incredible Catherine Palace and gardens. Every room in this huge palace is as opulent as the last, lined with gold and marble. The highlight however is The Amber Room, which was dismantled by the Nazis during the war and lost somewhere in East Prussia. It has recently been restored to if former glory and really is a site to behold. After the tour there is free time to enjoy the gardens, visit the Lyceum School where Pushkin studied, or return to the hotel for a traditional banya.Comfortable Hotel

Meals included:
Breakfast

Day 6

After a short transfer, by local train, we arrive in one of the finest and most extravagant cities in Europe - St Petersburg. This is a relatively young city, which only celebrated its 300th anniversary in 2003. It was the vision of Peter the Great, and was part of his desire to bring ‘old Russia' into the modern European age. Much of its design and work was contributed to by foreign designers and craftsmen - the result being some of the finest 18th and 19th century buildings to be found in Europe, but with a strangely Russian influence. Our hotel is located just off Nevsky Prospekt, St Petersburg’s most famous street, full of fine mansions, cathedrals and shops, all with a story to tell. We enjoy an orientation tour before free time for an optional visit inside the Peter and Paul Fortress and the famous cathedral that contains the tombs of the Romanovs, St Isaac’s Cathedral or the Church of the Split Blood. We will meet again in the early evening, for a visit to the new Fabergé Museum housing 4,000 pieces of fine decorative art, the highlight of which is a group of nine Imperial Easter eggs created by Fabergé for the last two Tsars.Comfortable Hotel

Meals included:
Breakfast

Day 7

We make the most of our final full day in Russia, with a guided tour of the Hermitage Museum and Winter Palace. One of the largest and oldest museums in the world, founded in 1764. Here every room is a piece of art in its own right, you will marvel at the Pavilion Hall, Peacock Room, and Hanging Gardens and that’s before you’ve even seen any art! Our afternoon is free. Why not take in the sites of the city by boat on a relaxing canal trip?

Please note that this day may operate in reverse due to entrance slots at the Hermitage.Comfortable Hotel

Essential Info

Visas

Russia

All nationalities require a visa for Russia. These requirements will vary depending on your nationality. For British nationals visa applications must now be made in person at a visa processing centre, located in London and Edinburgh. At the time of application, fingerprints will be taken.
We will be providing a new type of service to assist with the application process; however we will no longer be able to submit the application on your behalf. It is your responsibility to arrange a visa prior to travel, but we will provide you with more information after booking to help and advice with this. The cost of the visa is currently GBP108.40.
For more information please go to http://www.exodus.co.uk/assets/travelink/Russia.pdf

Vaccinations

Russia

Eating and Drinking

6 breakfasts included.

There are not many restaurants and cafes in these cities where you can try pure Russian cuisine. Nowadays Russian food is a mixture of cuisine from neighbouring countries such as Georgia, Azerbaijan, Ukraine and those of Central Asia. You can try pancakes and pies with different fillings, delicious khachapuri (traditional Georgian pie with home-made cheese suluguni), caucas kebabs, Uzbekistani plov (rice dish with meat and vegetables) and soups (traditional Russian schi with solty cabbage or Ukrainian borsch with beetroot).

Your leader will arrange group dinners in different restaurants to get the most out of this gastronomic mix throughout your journey. Restaurant Chekhov in St Petersburg and Cafe Chekhov in Moscow can be considered as places where you can try real Russian cuisine (fish soups, solty black milk mushrooms, aspics, poultry, jellies). Vegetarians are well catered for in Moscow and St Petersburg but less so outside of these main cities. You can expect to pay £20-30 per person for dinner and between £5-10 for a lunch snack.

Weather

This part of Russia is in northern Europe and has a continental climate, with extreme highs in the summer and lows in the winter. Through the summer months, rain can be experienced at any time. Spring starts about a month later than in the UK and autumn finishes about a month earlier. Trips at this time should be warm and sunny, in the high summer it can be hot, with temperatures of about 30°C or more. Winter departures are very different. Expect snow from early Dec through to April with temperatures between +10 and –5 in Nov, Dec, March and April dropping to between –10 and –20 in Jan and Feb. Russia is magical in winter and if you take good quality clothing for when you are out and about you will be fine. The hotels and restaurants are generally well heated and a sauna is a great way to end a day’s sightseeing.

Is this trip for you?

This trip is graded as Leisurely/Moderate (2) visits as much as possible in Russia's three most fascinating cities. There is a lot to see in a week yet the pace is not rushed and plenty of time is left each day for self-exploration. Should you choose to take part in all the offered optional activities, the week will seem more demanding. Although this itinerary is mostly based on sightseeing, please be prepared for a reasonable amount of walking between sites. Especially in Moscow.

For the overnight train journey, we use second class compartments that comprise of 4 berths and are of a reasonable standard, with bed linen provided, please note that cabins can rather hot. Breakfast is served on the train. Entrances are included for Kremlin and Armoury, Catherine Palace & Park and the Hermitage Museum. On occasion, the government may choose to close Red Square without warning. Please note Russia is rather expensive - see our extra expenses section for further advice. If you are travelling during June, July and August then please be prepared for queues and crowds at major sites, such as the Armoury, Catherine's Palace and the Hermitage.

Should you require tickets for either the recently renovated Bolshoy Theatre in Moscow or Mariinskiy Theatre in St. Petersburg then please book your tickets direct via their websites (see Optional Excursions for details). Due to limited availability at certain times of the year and the theatres only being available to book 3-6 months in advance then we are unable to provide this service. Many visitors find St. Petersburg a little overwhelming as there is so much to see. Exodus strongly recommends a couple of additional nights at the end of the tour. By which time you feel comfortable navigating the city alone.

Accommodation

Hotel and Sleeper Train

You will spend 6 nights in comfortable 3 star hotels and 1 night on a sleeper train. All accommodation is offered on a twin share basis with private facilities. Our properties in all three cities are in a central location within walking distance of the main sights (no more than 20 minutes). Wi-Fi is available free of charge but may only be accessible in public areas but is often temperamental. Each hotel offers a buffet breakfast.

The sleeper train is based on 4 berth cabins. Linen is provided. If you have trouble getting into an upper bunk, please let Exodus know at the time.

Single supplement GBP195, excludes sleep train between Moscow and Novgorod.

Reviews

A wonderful Russian Experience

We enjoyed a wonderful, busy eight days in Russia. The history, and the culture is all so interesting, and the way they have emerged from the Communist era. Everywhere was extremely clean, and we found the people to be friendly. The churches and cathedrals, and the palaces are beyond spectacular. We had an extra day in St Petersburg which enabled us to go to Peterhof gardens and fountains, though not the palace, and to see Swan Lake at the Mariinsky theatre which was another highlight. Doing the trip as a private adventure we were able to eat proper Russian food in some first rate restaurants, never paying over the odds for our meals.

What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?

The Kremlin and Armoury museum in Moscow and the Catherine Palace in Pushkin.

What did you think of your group leader?

Doing this as a private adventure we didn't have a group leader, but we found the local guides we had in Moscow, Novgorod and St Petersburg all very friendly, knowledgable and easy to understand. Maria in Moscow particularly went the extra mile, showing us more than she would normally be able to include, and sorting out our onward transport from Moscow to Novgorod.

Do you have any advice for potential travellers?

A taste of a fascinating country

A very busy trip, to see the major highlights of these two important Russian cities, plus Novgorod & Pushkin.

What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?

Seeing St Basil's Cathedral for the first time & just being in Red Square where so much history had taken place. The interior of Catherine's Palace in Pushkin - bling overload!

What did you think of your group leader?

Eugene was well organised and guided the group well. I had the feeling he felt uncomfortable when some of us wanted to do things that were off plan, but he was helpful in guiding us to achieve them. I wasn't happy with some of his choice of restaurants, which tended towards the cafeteria end of the market. We would have liked to know where we were going beforehand, to allow us an alternate choice.

Do you have any advice for potential travellers?

This is not a trip for those who like 'good' food. I wasn't impressed by the food in the restaurants we went to or in some of the hotels. Much of our food was served lukewarm or cold, which is never appetising.
Russian hotel rooms don't have any tea making facilities, so if you like to make a cuppa in your room take a travel kettle.
The night on the Russian train ( which departs at 10 pm) is an experience, personally I got very little sleep. The train stopped and jolted quite a lot during the night. We were woken at 5 am, de-trained at 6:30 am, arrived at the hotel for breakfast at 7am & at 9am taken on a tour of Novgorod, returning at 12 to check in. This was all very tiring! Be aware that as on many Exodus trips, you need a lot of stamina!

Is there anything else you would like to add?

Unfortunately I suffered from a bad back during the trip and couldn't enjoy the tour as much as I wanted. There was a lot of walking, which I found difficult, and even some of the fitter members of the group thought that the pace was often unrelenting. Due to my health problems I was unable to see The Kremlin in Moscow, The Faberge Museum & The Hermitage in St Petersburg. The walk from the hotel in St Petersburg to The Hermitage was at least 45 mins.
I feel this trip should be regraded leisurely/moderate. It is anything but leisurely! A lot is fitted in but maybe an extra day would help make the itinerary not so punishing?!

Moscow and St Petersburg

A well planned and interesting trip taking us to Novgorod and Pushkin as well as Moscow and St Petersburg. An extra day in Moscow would have been welcomed as there was too much to see in too little time.

What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?

No one inspirational moment, but many including all the wonderful churches, the Moscow Kremlin, the Hermitage museum (including the impressionists in a separate gallery) AND our visit to the gardens of Peterhof (Summer Palace) on the hydrofoil.

What did you think of your group leader?

Young, engaging, organised and informed.

Do you have any advice for potential travellers?

Do some preparatory homework before you go, so what you hear when you are there fits into and expands the narrative you already know.

Culture and Kremlins in the Wintertime

This was an opportunity to experience some of the many faces of Russia, from the austere grandeur of Moscow to the opulence of St Petersburg, as well as the quieter charms of Novgorod and Pushkin. Traveling on the overnight sleeper train from Moscow provided a taste of real Russia away from the everyday touristic experience, as well an opportunity for plenty of group bonding. Russia in wintertime is magical, from Red Square at night to the frozen lake at the Catherine Palace and the canals of St Petersburg.

What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?

An afternoon trip to the Museum of Wooden Architecture near Novgorod provided an opportunity to see country life. It was so quiet and peaceful with some amazing buildings in a spectacular woodland setting.
A musical evening at the Bolshoi Theatre also provided an opportunity to experience the friendliness of Muscovites. Lost at the bar, we were befriended by a Russian lady who was intrigued that we had chosen to visit Moscow and eager to help us.

What did you think of your group leader?

Eugine's organisation was faultless. He enabled us to to enjoy a holiday that would have been difficult to organise ourselves. He led the group with good humour and his insights into Russian life, history and culture transformed our experience.

Do you have any advice for potential travellers?

The first couple of days in Moscow involve a lot of walking. Make sure you have comfortable footwear and are prepared for this. The pace in Moscow is quite hectic but relaxes considerably once you get to Novgorod.

Is there anything else you would like to add?

An unforgettable holiday with lots of culture, good food, good company and an insight into Russian life.

A great way to get a flavour of Russia

This is a typically busy Exodus trip which covers a lot of ground in a short period. Despite having a lot to fit in, it's well structured and certainly lived up to our expectations. Going in February means that we avoided what are, apparently, huge crowds in St Petersburg and if you're lucky with the winter weather (we were) then its very beautiful.

What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?

Sitting in the Kazan Cathedral in St Petersburg as a service took place - incense, music, and the incredible interior made it very moving.

What did you think of your group leader?

Do you have any advice for potential travellers?

If you've been on an Exodus trip before you'll know that you pack a lot in and you have to be organised and prepared for being on the move and getting around by a variety of means. Lots of walking between sites and not much down time - but that's how you pack so much in. Emphasis is on the cultural and historic sites - museums, churches and so on, so that needs to be your main interest to get the most from the trip. You have a night on the train from Moscow to Novgarod which is fine but do bring your earplugs and eyemask if you want a night's sleep.

Is there anything else you would like to add?

We really enjoyed the trip - its more conventional than some because Russia itself is a more familiar cultural experience than many parts of the world - but with so many people talking about our relationship with Russia at the moment its a great time to have a look.

moscow to st petersburg

how could you not enjoy snow, amazing history, stunning museums and buildings ? Be prepared to walk lots, wrap up well and enjoy the big variety of food. You can get a little peak at the enormous history of Russia and its neighbours. going in winter , you also get time and space free from crowds to enjoy the sights.

What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?

Loved the visit to outside the cities to see a local wooden house museum. got a real sense of both how hard and how beautiful life can be in the winter.
Also really enjoyed our night on the train- the experience is worth it.
Moscow's centre in winter was lively with entertainment and lights- you can go skating at 11pm if you want.

What did you think of your group leader?

good mix of knowledge, humour and helpful without needing to be bossy.

Do you have any advice for potential travellers?

if you go in February make sure you wear warm outer layers, but can be comfortable in very warm interiors. We became very practised in putting all the layers on and taking them off again quickly. Be careful of your valuables as there are expert pickpockets in abundance.

Is there anything else you would like to add?

From Russia with Love

An excellent trip which not only visits the highlights but also lets you see real life in Russia. A great mixture of big cities and small towns allowing you to gain a broader perspective of an extremely interesting country.

What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?

Walking through Red Square on the first night of the trip was my favorite moment. To be somewhere that you have seen so many times on news reports and where so many historical events have taken place, is very inspirational.

What did you think of your group leader?

Eugine was extremely informative and engaging. He is enthusiastic and always happy to share his views. I learnt a great deal about historical Russian events and also current affairs.

Do you have any advice for potential travellers?

Make sure you take some warm clothes as the wind can be very cold in St Petersburg.

Is there anything else you would like to add?

This trip has whet my appetite for more exploration around the world's largest country.

Russian adventure

This 8 day trip is a good introduction to Moscow and St Petersburg with the added bonus of visits to two smaller towns in Russia. There is a fair amount of intern travel but Russia is a huge place, so not unexpected.

What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?

Catherine Palace in Pushkin was a blaze of good bling!
Red Square at might

What did you think of your group leader?

He was excellent, patient and sociable. He was always ready to answer questions about Russia and give practical information where he could. He really wanted to fill the group with enthusiasm about this rather misunderstood country (it's not perfect but where is?)

Do you have any advice for potential travellers?

I wish I had looked up the highlights of some of the galleries I visited. In particular I would have liked to go to the Pushkin museum in Moscow - but this was closed on Monday when I thought of visiting! There are so many pictures etc in the Hermitage (and the impressionist paintings have been moved to another building). So a bit of advanced preparation would be a good idea.
I would recommend an extra day or tow in St Petersburg like the trip notes suggested.
The train from Moscow to Novgorod is not very comfortable and was quite noisy. But the washroom remained spotless throughout the 8 hour trip.

Is there anything else you would like to add?

A map of Pushkin would have been useful - it is small but I am quite good at getting lost!

Moscow to St Petersburg

What a wonderful experience! First Moscow. Such beautiful city in winter under the snow. Our hotel was a 10-minute walk from the Kremlin and other very interesting sites. Catherine palace in Pushkin is splendidly renovated and we were lucky to have a walk in the gardens under the sun after snow. To finish our trip, we stayed in St Petersburg which has so much to offer to tourists. Our hotel was centrally located, which enabled us to just walk to whatever Palace, Church or Museum we wanted to see. We were very happy with each of the local guides we had, and a big thank you to our leader who looked after us and always made sure we had a good time and saw what we were interested in.

What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?

Catherine Palace and gardens in winter

What did you think of your group leader?

Excellent. We had some very good and knowledgeable local guides but our leader was really professional and pleasant throughout the trip always going the extra miles to make sure everybody in the group would be happy.

Do you have any advice for potential travellers?

Learn a few words of Russian before going.

Is there anything else you would like to add?

We saw Russia under snow and sun, and so many beautiful buildings and sites, brilliant!

Moscow to St Petersburg

A well organised and fluid trip. Everything fell into place when it should which made the holiday easy to enjoy.
Guides were well versed on their subjects and easy to understand since English wasn't their first language.

What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?

having my preconceived ideas on Russia and its people turned on their head.

What did you think of your group leader?

Very good. he was helpful at all times and able to answer questions and willing to help or take you where you needed to go if required.